Five Guys Burgers and Fries planned for former B'Shara's restaurant site in West Springfield

The Republican | Sandra E. ConstantineThe former B'Shara's Restaurant on Riverdale Street in West Springfield is being transformed into a Five Guys Burgers & Fries eatery by workers from Tim Margoles Wall Systems of Westfield.

Robert A. Zinck of Marlborough, who will own the operation, said Tuesday that he hopes to open the eatery at 1268 Riverdale St. by June 1. How soon depends on how long it takes to finish work on the building and get such local approvals as a common victualer’s license, he said.

He anticipates the restaurant, which will seat about 70, will employ around 50 full- and part-time employees.

Zinck opened a Five Guys restaurant in December in Little River Plaza on Route 20 in Westfield, where he said business has been good. A former women’s jewelery salesman, Zinck also owns four other Five Guys franchises. They are in Hanover, Swansea, North Dartmouth and Seekonk, all communities in the eastern part of the state.

Zinck said he was drawn to the West Springfield location for a number of reasons, including heavy traffic, the visibility of the building and the fact the site is easy to access because it is located at a traffic light.

Zinck said his restaurant will be a typical Five Guys establishment and will include its trademark red and white tile wall decor. The new venture will continue the franchise’s practice of using fresh ingredients.

“They cut the potatoes fresh every morning. Everything is top quality and that’s what sold me on Five Guys,” Zinck said.

The chain originated in 1986 when the family of Jerry and Janie Murrell started a carry-out burger operation in Alexandria, Va., according to information on the Five Guys website. The operation grew over the years and expanded from being run by four Murrell brothers to five brothers. By early 2003, the family started offering franchise opportunities.

There are now more than 900 locations across the country. The 1268 Riverdale St. building has been vacant since B’Shara’s Restaurant closed in 2009.

Landlord Paul A. Longtin last fall got the special permit from the Planning Board needed to open a 70-seat fast-food restaurant at that address. The Westfield businessman said the new venture should be a good fit for the property and that the franchise seems to have a good following.

West Springfield Planning Administrator Richard A. Werbiskis has called the plans for a fast-food restaurant a “good reuse” of the property. The site is zoned Business A.